Gene Douglas Reese, 77, of Big Lake passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, Mar. 17, 2022 at his residence.
He was born to his late parents, John and Lula Rose Reese on Dec. 16, 1944 in Jasper, Texas.
He was proud to serve in the Louisiana Army National Guard. Gene was a board member of the Grand Lake Fire Department, Board of Directors for the Cameron Council on Aging and Board of Directors for Winnie’s Way (benefitting rescue dogs with special needs) in Haughton. He retired after 45 plus years as a train engineer with Lyondell Basell.
Gene loved to grow tomatoes and okra in his garden, college football, fishing, cooking, and fellowshipping with family and friends. He was also an avid garage and estate sale hunter. Gene loved everyone and never met a stranger. He was a member of Grand Lake Community Church where he served as a deacon. Most of all, Gene loved his Lord and Savior.
He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Lenora Reese; step son, Kenneth W. Downs (Tanya) of Redfield, Ark.; step daughter, Vickie Case (Ronald) of Haughton; sister, Winnie Yvonne Broussard of Lake Charles; two step grandsons, Jesse Downs (Jessica) of Sheridan, Ark., Jacob Downs of Shreveport; two step granddaughters, Hanna Case of Haughton, Haleigh Fonte (Caleb) of West Monroe; three step great-granddaughters, Charleigh-Beth Fonte of West Monroe, Madison Downs and Myla Mae Downs of Sheridan, Ark.; step great-grandson, John T. Downs of Sheridan, Ark.; brother-in-law, William L. Ward of Shreveport; along with numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.
Gene was preceded in death by his daughter, Brooke Reese; sister, Willie Ray Davis; brother, John Dalton Reese; nephew, Blane Broussard; brother-in-law, Jessie Joseph Broussard; and great-nephew, William Chase Broussard.
A Celebration of Gene’s life was held at Hixson Funeral Home in Lake Charles on Sunday, Mar. 20, at 2 p.m., with Bro. Ray Shawa and Sheriff Ron Johnson officiating. Visitation was at Hixson Funeral Home in Lake Charles on Saturday, Mar. 19, from 6 until 9 p.m. Visitation resumed at the funeral home on Sunday, from 12 p.m. until the time of the service. Burial followed at Sweetlake Grand Lake Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Winnie’s Way, 42 Copper Court, Haughton LA 71037 or www.winniesway.org).
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.JEHixson.com for the Reese family.
(Paid Memorial)